The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) has announced the lineup for its 37th edition, which will take place from January 2 to January 12, 2026. The festival will open with “Calle Malaga,” directed by Maryam Touzani, and close with “Glenrothan,” directed by and starring Brian Cox.
This year’s event will showcase 169 films from 72 countries and territories, including 53 premieres. Among these are three world premieres, six international premieres, ten North American premieres, twelve U.S. premieres, and twenty-two California premieres. The program features 44 official submissions for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards.
Festival venues this year include the historic Plaza Theatre, in addition to other locations across Palm Springs.
“Calle Malaga” stars Carmen Maura as an aging woman in Tangier striving to keep her home and identity. Director Maryam Touzani is expected to attend the opening night screenings at multiple venues. The closing film, “Glenrothan,” marks Brian Cox’s directorial debut; he stars alongside Alan Cumming as estranged brothers reunited in Scotland. Brian Cox will be present at the Richards Center for the Arts for the closing night screening.
Several notable guests are scheduled to attend special programs. These include Oscar Isaac and director Elvira Lind for “King Hamlet,” Kim Novak and Alexandre O. Philippe for “Kim Novak’s Vertigo,” Paul Feig for “The Housemaid,” Audrey Zahn, Steve Zahn, Rick Gomez, and Mackenzie Ziegler for “She Dances,” Carol Connors for “Elvis, Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story,” Cherien Dabis for “All That’s Left of You,” Gore Verbinski for “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die,” Edgar Ramirez for “It Would Be Night in Caracas,” Amy Goodman for “Steal This Story, Please!,” Annemarie Jacir for “Palestine 36,” Anders Thomas Jensen for “The Last Viking” and others.
A new series called Gateway Films will highlight influential cinema titles curated by Diane Kruger, Leonard Maltin, Paul Feig, Therese Hayes, and Udo Kier. Other featured programs include a German Country Spotlight with eight films from Germany; Family Day on January 11 with free movie screenings at the Mary Pickford Theater; an After Dark slate of genre films; Local Spotlight selections focusing on Coachella Valley stories; Close-Ups documentaries about filmmakers; Modern Masters presenting new works by established directors; New Voices New Visions featuring first- and second-time directors; Special Presentations; True Stories non-fiction section; Queer Cinema Today & The Gayla highlighting LGBTQ narratives; World Cinema Now showcasing international films; and American Indies spotlighting emerging U.S. filmmakers.
“Our 2026 lineup is a celebration of the stories that move us, challenge us, and remind us why we love movies,” said Lili Rodriguez, Artistic Director of the Palm Springs International Film Society. “From family fun to bold new voices, from international masters to exciting first-time filmmakers, this year’s selections reflect the range of energy of world cinema today. At Palm Springs, the joy comes not just from the films, but from the conversations and shared moments that bring people together year after year. We can’t wait for audiences to feel that spark that only cinema brings.”
A panel discussion hosted by The Hollywood Reporter with directors who have made the Best International Feature Film shortlist is set for January 7.
Juried awards will be presented on January 11 in seven categories: FIPRESCI Prize (International Feature Film Oscar Submissions), New Voices New Visions Award (unique viewpoints), Best Documentary Award (non-fiction), Ibero-American Award (Latin America/Spain/Portugal), Desert Views Award (promoting understanding between people), Young Cineastes Award (youth jury selection), among others.
Family Day activities at Cathedral City Community Amphitheater will feature local vendors and food trucks alongside film screenings supported by sponsors including Acrisure Arena, 3M Studios, EōS Fitness, and ARCO.
The festival continues its tradition of bringing together a wide array of global cinema alongside opportunities to engage directly with filmmakers through discussions and panels.
